If junior quarterback Jeff Driskel is to have a breakout season at Florida, the offensive line will have to do its part by providing protection.

The Gators allowed 39 sacks for a loss of 283 yards last season. Conversely, the UF defense had 30 sacks for minus 197 yards.

UF’s offensive linemen know the numbers and have worked to improve during the offseason.

“That’s one of the big things we’re working on this summer is the pass protection, for the running backs and tight ends, too,” senior guard Jon Halapio said.

“Having people with experience on the line gives us that trust factor to protect him (Driskel). We’ve played a year together, and now we trust each other.”

Coach Will Muschamp is also trusting Halapio to lead the way on the line.

“Jon is going into his third year as a starter and is an outstanding leader,” Muschamp said. “All of the tangible things you want in a football player, Jon has it, and a guy that I’m really excited for his senior season.”

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